DEFENDERS Adie Moses and Richard Walker have sent out a defiant message to Dario Gradi: 'We are here to stay'.

Gradi has been scouring Europe for a dominant central defender throughout the summer. With the first-choice pairing of Steve Foster and Chris McCready still not fully fit, he has been concerned about the heart of his back line.

But Moses and Walker impressed throughout pre-season and coped admirably with the physical barrage brought by Ade Akinbiyi and Gifton Noel-Williams during Saturday's 2-1 win over Burnley.

Now the pair have signalled their intention to remain in the team. Moses, 30, said: 'It is well documented that Dario has been looking for new defenders, but all I can do is concentrate on my own game.

'I have been reasonably happy with my form. I feel fit, strong and quick and it is up to somebody to take the shirt off me. I'd like to think that if I'm doing well, I can stay in there. That is what I want.'

Trialists Mathias Lindström and Yannick Zambernardi did not fit the bill last week, but Gradi is now tracking a defender in Luxembourg who has been recommended by an agent.

But Walker, 24, who in particular has come in for stick from supporters in the past couple of seasons, is confident he can hold down a first-team berth.

He added: 'Adie and myself have built up a good partnership and we know we have to play well. I'm ready for the challenge though and want to give the manager a selection headache.

'It would be nice to be number one and not worry as much, but I've always had to fight for my place.

'I relish that. I want to be the dominant centre-half Dario wants. We are constantly linked with other defenders in the Press, but I can fit the bill.'

Meanwhile, new strikers Juan Ugarte, Luke Rodgers, Pavel Suhaj and keeper Ross Turnbull, will be on show at the Alexandra Stadium tonight (Wednesday).

The reserve encounter with a Port Vale second-string outfit has been organised to allow Alex supporters to catch a glimpse of the summer captures. Midfielders Lee Bell, Ben Rix and Justin Cochrane are also likely to be involved.

Gradi said: 'We've always wanted to play some reserve games at the main stadium, but it has been a matter of getting the pitch right.